Session Profile: Signe Riisalo
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-05
Political Position
The political position supports the car tax, but places emphasis on the accompanying social mitigation measures for families with children and people with special needs. This position is strongly value-based, centering on economic well-being and the fulfillment of prior agreements. The speaker deems the adoption of the bill necessary specifically for alleviating the social situation, although they acknowledge that the work concerning the needs of disabled people is not yet complete.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of social protection, particularly concerning disability benefits, the accessibility of assistive devices, and the legislative history of the car tax. They reference their prior role as Minister of Social Protection and provide specific data and dates related to earlier agreements (e.g., the 9 million compromise, the benefit increase starting in June, and the availability of aids starting in September). Additionally, they are knowledgeable about the procedural rules governing the Riigikogu session.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is empathetic and explanatory, emphasizing the need for respect toward people with special needs and preferring the term "people with special needs." The speaker balances emotional appeals with the presentation of detailed political facts and legislative history, utilizing formal and technical language (e.g., M-category minibuses, disability determination). They also begin with a procedural question, which indicates attention to the meeting's protocol.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu plenary session, submitting both procedural questions and long, substantive speeches. They reference recent meetings (mid-last month) with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Chamber of Disabled People, demonstrating ongoing work to find political solutions outside the chamber.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker refutes accusations that the association of disabled people was not consulted during the creation of the car tax, calling these claims false. He also criticized the President of the Republic's decision to leave the previous bill unpromulgated, deeming it regrettable. Furthermore, he noted the amendment proposed by the Social Democratic Party, which he believes strays from the original request and is too far-reaching.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation and a willingness to compromise, referring to previous agreements with the Chamber of People with Disabilities and continuous negotiations between the ministries. He sees himself in the role of a mediator (the role of a mediator) to help the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social Affairs find a legal solution to fulfill previous promises. In his assessment, the compromise was reasonable, since fewer than half of people with special needs own a car.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports the car tax as a mechanism providing economic relief to families with children and individuals with special needs, helping them manage financial difficulties. It advocates for targeted tax concessions (specifically for M-category minibuses) and increased direct support (such as a rise in disability benefits) to improve social well-being and cover the developmental costs of children.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
From a socio-political standpoint, the focus is on improving the well-being of families with children, particularly large families and individuals with special needs. It stresses the necessity of using respectful language and supports expanding access to state-subsidized assistive devices for all children and working-age individuals, even without a formal disability diagnosis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the current bill, which provides relief for families with children and includes incentives for minivans. Furthermore, we are concentrating on preparing new legislative solutions to deliver on promises concerning the elimination of taxation on rebuilt and adapted vehicles, a measure that was included in a previous bill that the President declined to sign into law.
3 Speeches Analyzed